As of 2026, California’s main ADU grant, CalHFA’s ADU Grant Program, isn’t accepting new applications, and no new round has been announced. When it was funded, it offered up to $40,000 toward pre-development costs such as plans, permits, and soils reports. Plan your ADU without it, and check CalHFA directly for any new round.
CalHFA’s own ADU page says the latest round of funding was fully allocated on December 28, 2023. It also warns that anyone who approaches you offering to help you get an ADU grant is running a scam. Here’s what’s known and what to do instead.
What was the CalHFA ADU grant?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | Up to $40,000 |
| What it covered | Pre-development and non-recurring closing costs: site prep, architectural plans, permits, soils reports, surveys, energy reports, and impact fees |
| What it didn’t cover | Construction labor and materials |
| Who qualified | Owner-occupants who met income limits based on area median income |
| How you applied | Through CalHFA-approved lenders, not directly |
| Repayment | None if the project moved forward as required |
Past rounds reportedly filled within days or weeks of opening.
What can you do instead of waiting for a grant?
- Keep the ADU at 750 sq ft or less. State law bars impact fees on ADUs that size, which can save thousands.
- Convert existing space. A garage conversion or Junior ADU reuses the foundation, walls, and roof.
- Use pre-approved plans where available. LA County offers pre-approved standard ADU plans for unincorporated areas. They save design time but can’t be changed. Ask the City of Santa Clarita what it currently offers.
- Look for energy incentives. Utility and state programs for heat pumps, efficient equipment, and solar change often. Check with Southern California Edison and your gas utility before you buy equipment.
- Finance the project as if grants don’t exist. See financing an ADU in Santa Clarita.
Where should you check for current programs?
- CalHFA’s ADU page for any new grant round and participating lenders
- City of Santa Clarita Planning Division at (661) 255-4330 for local fee or plan programs
- LA County Regional Planning for unincorporated areas such as Stevenson Ranch, Castaic, Acton, and Agua Dulce
- A lender who does ADU loans, since they track programs that affect their borrowers
Is it worth waiting for a grant?
Usually not. Even when funded, the grant covered only soft costs, and rounds have closed quickly. Construction is the bulk of the cost, so the project has to work without the grant. If a new round opens and you qualify, apply, and treat it as a discount.
Want to talk through your ADU budget?
Call (661) 486-8393. If no one answers, leave a voicemail with your name, phone number, address, and the type of ADU you want. You can also use the contact form. We’ll pass your details to a local ADU contractor, who will follow up with you directly. There’s no obligation to hire.
ADU grant FAQs
Is the $40,000 California ADU grant still available?
Not as of 2026. CalHFA’s ADU Grant Program isn’t accepting new applications, and no new round has been announced. Check CalHFA’s website for updates.
Did the CalHFA grant pay for construction?
No. It covered pre-development costs such as plans, permits, soils reports, and fees.
Are there ADU grants in Santa Clarita?
We’re not aware of a current City of Santa Clarita ADU grant. Ask the Planning Division what’s available when you apply, since programs change.
What’s the cheapest way to add an ADU?
Usually a Junior ADU or a garage conversion. Keeping any new ADU at 750 sq ft or less also avoids impact fees. See ADU costs in Santa Clarita.